Incoming and Prospective Students

Welcome to the Orthodox Community at Penn! We pride ourselves on being one of the most vibrant Orthodox Jewish college communities in the country and would love the opportunity to tell you all about it! Here’s some information we hope you’ll find helpful:

Each fall, the Orthodox Community at Penn (OCP) hosts a Shabbaton for prospective students. Check back here in early September for details.

If you would like to learn more about the OCP and religious Jewish life on campus, feel free to email the hospitality chair of the OCP, *protected email*, who should respond to you promptly. They can provide lots of useful insight and put you in touch with students who share your interests.

Arranging a Shabbat visit is super easy. Just email the hospitality chair, listed above, and you will get set up with a host and meals for the weekend. You will also be put on the Sabbath List so you can enter the dorms. Don’t forget to bring your ID!

If you’re coming to visit for the day, you should definitely stop by Hillel, otherwise known as Steinhardt Hall, located at 215 S. 39th Street between Walnut St. and Locust Walk, by the high-rise dorms. There are always students around who would love to talk to you about Penn. You can also email the hospitality chairs in advance to plan for someone to meet you at Hillel for a meal or just to chat.

Kosher dining is located on the first floor of Hillel, in Falk Dining Commons. During the week, Hillel dining is open 11:30 am-2 pm for lunch and 5:30-7:30 pm for dinner. Falk Dining is also open for dinner and lunch according to Jewish holiday (including Shabbat) needs. Falk is under the supervision of Community Kashrus of Greater Philadelphia.